Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series

History And Context

The theme of the artist’s studio was not new to Raoul Dufy in 1935; his first example dates to 1909. In the 1930’s, however, he painted numerous monumental canvases, sometimes including nude models or self-portraits, of his studio at L’Impasse de la Guelma, which he maintained from 1911 until his death. The Artist’s Studio is considered the most successful in this series.

On its first exhibition in London, the painting was singled out for its color harmonies and striking light. The last Dufy painting to enter The Phillips Collection, The Artist’s Studio was highlighted by the local press as “indicative of (Dufy’s) serious side… which he has seldom surrendered to.”